Calendar

The week's events

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Apr 7(1 event)

4:00 pm: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Audio Described Performance & Haptic Tour (in-person)

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Apr 7

Shotgun Players in Albany presents an audio described performance and haptic tour of their production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. The play follows the warrior queen, Hippolyta, who is compelled to marry her captor, Theseus. A comical group of mechanics decides to gift the couple with a play performed at the wedding. Rehearsals are interrupted by a group of lovers in a chase of one another, heightened by magic juice administered by a mischievous fairy, Puck…and hilarity ensues.

$10 off Tickets

Buy tickets online to A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM audio described performance and haptic tour. Use discount code "MAGICJUICE" (in all capitals and without the quotes) for $10 off or call the box office at 510-841-6500 ext 303 and mention the code word “MAGICJUICE” for $10 off.

After you purchase a ticket for the show, RSVP for the haptic tour and an audio description headset by contacting boxoffice@shotgunplayers.org, or calling 510-841-6500 ext 303.

Audio description and the pre-show haptic tour are presented in partnership with Gravity Access Services. The haptic tour begins at 4:00 pm and doors open for the tour at 3:45 pm.

$10 off Tickets

Buy tickets online to A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM audio described performance and haptic tour. Use discount code "MAGICJUICE" (in all capitals and without the quotes) for $10 off or call the box office at 510-841-6500 ext 303 and mention the code word “MAGICJUICE” for $10 off.

After you purchase a ticket for the show, RSVP for the haptic tour and an audio description headset by contacting boxoffice@shotgunplayers.org, or calling 510-841-6500 ext 303.

The stage is located at 1901 Ashby Ave in Berkeley, near Ashby BART station. The show starts at 5:00 pm and the runtime is 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission.
Apr 8(5 events)

9:00 am: AARP Tax-Aide Program (in-person)

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Apr 8

LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 5 – April 11, 2024 and Wednesdays February 21 and 28 & March 13 and 27. 

Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing the AARP Tax-Aide at LightHouse RSVP form.

This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we will only be completing 2023 tax returns in February). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.

Please bring with you:

  • Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
  • A copy of your social security card
  • A copy of your photo ID
  • If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you via USPS.

Out of Scope:

If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.

  • If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
  • If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
  • If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
  • If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
  • If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
  • If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return.  You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
  • If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.

There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.

If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648 or email info@lighthouse-sf.org

9:00 am: Introduction to Mind/Body Meditation at Earle Baum Center (online)

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Apr 8

Meditation truly is a way to nurture oneself. It provides a sacred time to pause, destress and realign oneself with one’s true inner dialogue. There is no wrong or right way to meditate and it is very simple! Meditation stimulates the brains parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and reset” system in our body. In pausing together we can find abundance in our stillness, and relaxation in the permission to let go.

Meditation class at EBC is presented by Patricia Jefferson, Vision Rehabilitation Instructor, who has a lifelong passion for meditation along with emerging meditation coach, Mini Sage.

Meditation class at EBC is presented by Patricia Jefferson, Vision Rehabilitation Instructor, who has a lifelong passion for meditation along with emerging meditation coach, Mini Sage. For more information, contact Patricia Jefferson at jefferson@earlebaum.org or 707-479-832,

9:30 am: The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike (online)

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Apr 8

What does it mean to be blind or low vision? Mike Cole, a veteran of all things blindness, leads this call-in forum to discuss the day-to-day ins and outs of blindness—from daily living in your home environment to navigating the vast expanse of bureaucracies.

RSVP for The Business of Blindness online or contact Andrew Martinez at AMartinez@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7642.

1:00 pm: Music and Poetry at Earle Baum Center (hybrid)

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Apr 8

Music and Poetry Group is offered on the second and fourth Monday of the month.

If you wish to have your favorite music, song, poem or an original work, presented at the group, celebrating all styles and eras, please submit your selection to Patricia 4 days prior to the group.   We will ask for a brief introduction to your choice, we will all listen together with time for discussion.

There is a $20.00 fee each month with payment due prior to the 2nd Monday of each month. Please register online or call our office at to register.

Music and Poetry class at EBC is presented by Patricia Jefferson, Vision Rehabilitation Instructor, who has a lifelong passion for music and poetry. To RSVP, please contact Patricia at jefferson@earlebaum.org or 707-523-3222.

 

5:00 pm: Toastmasters: LightHouse Visionaries (online)

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Apr 8

LightHouse Visionaries provides blind and visually impaired people with a supportive and fun environment to develop public speaking and leadership skills, empowering us to enhance our personal and professional lives.

Toastmasters is a place to develop skills of self-empowerment. It's a place to practice public speaking, improve communication, and build leadership skills. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month.

RSVP online for Toastmasters, or contact Sabrina Bolus at Sbolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.
Apr 9(5 events)

1:00 pm: Los Visionarios (in-person)

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Apr 9

This is a Spanish language social group that meets once a month on every 2nd Tuesday. Beginning, April 9, 2024 the group will alternate the meeting location between the San Francisco Public Library and LightHouse every other month. And feel free to stick around for the Spanish Book Club right after this at 2:00 pm.

Please contact Esmeralda Soto 415-694-7323 or via e-mail at ESoto@lighthouse-sf.org for any additional information.

Este es un grupo social de habla hispana que se reúne una vez al mes cada 2 martes. A partir del 9 de abril de 2024, el grupo alternará el lugar de reunión entre la Biblioteca Pública de San Francisco y LightHouse.

También si quieren acompañarnos para el club de libros será a las 2 PM después de Los Visionarios.

Comuníquese con Esmeralda Soto al 415-694-7323 o por correo electrónico al ESoto@lighthouse-sf.org para cualquier información adicional

1:00 pm: The Blind Telephone Network (dial-in)

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Apr 9

Announcing the Blind Telephone Network 2024 program

The Blind Telephone network, originally founded by blind veterans, now is pleased to welcome all blind and low vision folks to join in phone calls will be held on Tuesday and Thursday of each week.

Tuesdays programs are what we call chit chat and chew the fat. During these sessions, most topics are acceptable; however, we refrain from discussing politics and religion. Prayer requests are acceptable, but will not be done during the call. This is a time for socializing, and sharing our experiences with blindness, in order to help others develop independence and self-confidence.

On Thursdays, we emphasize education, travel, technology, history, entertainment, and innovative role-models, etc.. These sessions will feature presenters on such topics as: Lewis and Clark expedition, Mt. Rushmore, railroad history and the mob museum in Las Vegas, Nevada.We encourage suggestions for topics or locations from our participants.

All sessions last for one (1) hour and start on time.

The call in number is: 605-475-5620, and the access code is: 3789127#. If you plan to save these numbers in your contacts, I recommend inserting two (2) commas between the main number and the access code.

Those wishing to receive an e-mail reminder for upcoming sessions or links provided by the presenter, should:

Send an e-mail to Doc Eudaly at deteacha@sbcglobal.net. Please put your full name, phone number, and email address in the body of your e-mail.

Calls for 2024 will begin on Tuesday, January 9.

For Thursday, January 11, our initial program will be on the FDR Memorial in Washington, DC.  We hope to hear you on these free telephone calls, where you can both learn and contribute

On behalf of the founding members,

Douglas “Doc” Eudaly, PH,D

1-559-999-2625

 

2:00 pm: Spanish Book Club (in-person)

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Apr 9

This is a Spanish language book club that meets once a month on every 2nd Tuesday. Beginning, April 9, 2024 the group will alternate the meeting location between the San Francisco Public Library and LightHouse. If you’re available, you can also join us for Los Visionarios, the Spanish language social group that meets in the same place just before this at 1:00 pm.

Please contact Esmeralda Soto 415-694-7323 or via e-mail at ESoto@lighthouse-sf.org for any additional information

Este es un club de lectura en español que se reúne una vez al mes cada 2º martes. A partir del 9 de abril de 2024, el grupo alternará el lugar de reunión entre la Biblioteca Pública de San Francisco y LightHouse. Si están disponibles por favor de acompañarnos para el grupo social de Los Visionarios aquí mismo a las 1 PM

Comuníquese con Esmeralda Soto al 415-694-7323 o por correo electrónico al ESoto@lighthouse-sf.org para cualquier información adicional

2:00 pm: Tech Together April 2024: (online)

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Apr 9

Join the Access Technology team for a series of informal conversations on technology topics relevant to these current times.

April 2: What's New in the World of Access Technology: Updates from CSUN
Join the Access Technology team and we'll share updates and insights after the 39th annual CSUN Assistive Technology conference.
RSVP online for What's New in the World of Access Technology: Updates from CSUN, or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.

April 9: All About iPads
The Access Technology team will discuss all iPad offerings from the iPad, to the Pro, to the Air, to the Mini. Join Tech Together and let's talk about these fantastic tablets!
RSVP online for All About iPads, or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.

April 16: The Envision Glasses, Featuring Ian Ramos
The LightHouse Access Technology team is honored and delighted to welcome back Ian Ramos of Access Ingenuity. Ian will be joining us to discuss features of the Envision glasses.
RSVP online for The Envision Glasses, Featuring Ian Ramos, or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.

April 23: What's Up With Watches
Smartwatches are becoming a prolific and popular option for health tracking and communication. Join the Access Technology team and we'll discuss the features and accessibility enhancements available on these wonderful wearables.
RSVP online for What's Up With Watches, or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.

April 30: Open Forum
Do you have a favorite tech tip or trick to share? Do you have questions about your tech setup? Do you have ideas about future Tech Together events? Join the Access Technology team for a fun and freeform discussion where we can all nerd out and learn about tech, together.
RSVP online for Open Forum, or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.

6:00 pm: National Federation of the Blind: San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online)

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Apr 9

The National Federation of the Blind is a nationwide community of members that believe blind people can live the lives they want. We meet online via Zoom with the following schedule:

6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Virtual Happy (Half) Hour
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Chapter Meeting

To RSVP, contact President Bobbi Pompey at bobbipompey@gmail.com or 336-988-6375.
Apr 10(4 events)

9:30 am: Stress Reduction & Meditation (online)

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Apr 10

We offer a series of short, meditation-based practices each Wednesday morning for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for beginners and advanced practitioners, and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Ellen Simpson will be leading. Everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial in, find a comfortable position, breathe deeply, clear your head, and de-stress.

RSVP online for Stress Reduction & Meditation or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

1:00 pm: Gratitude VIBES (April 2024)

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Apr 10

Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Please join us for an inspiring series of student presentations, individual check-ins, and gratitude-closers.

April 3: Sharing Tips for Decluttering Our Spaces

April 10: Adult Program Coordinator, Maia Scott shares a favorite writing by Pixie LightHouse honoring change and letting go.

April17: It's Music Appreciation Week, where we celebrate the power of music to evoke gratitude. Share your special song and the reasons behind your gratitude as we elevate spirits in our Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions.

April 24: The Tao of Pooh, the book offers a refreshing and lighthearted perspective on life's journey. The Tao of Pooh is about “how to stay happy and calm in all circumstances.” Benjamin Hoff uses the characters and stories from Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner to explain this concept. This week, we will discuss Pooh.

RSVP online to Gratitude VIBES or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

1:00 pm: Scrape & Create: Ignite Your Inner Artist at ILRCSF (in-person)

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Apr 10

Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco (ILRCSF) is excited to partner with the Museum of Craft and Design for a unique scrape painting workshop inspired by MCD’s current exhibition, Indie Folk: New Art and Sounds from the Pacific Northwest.

RSVP is required. Space is limited, and on a first-come, first-served basis. Masks are also required.

To RSVP, please contact Brianna Sendziak at brianna@ilrcsf.org, or 415-543-6222, extension 1103. Please include: Your first and last name, phone number and accessibility needs.

If you haven't completed the registration form, as required by our funders, a staff member will contact you to conduct a brief intake. Thank you for your cooperation.

ILRCSF is located at 825 Howard St. in San Francisco.

6:30 pm: Goalball with BORP (in-person)

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Apr 10

Bay Are Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Goalball Practice is a fun way to get exercise and meet new people. The practice is designed for beginners and experienced players. If you do not have your own equipment, we can provide you with both elbow and knee pads and eyeshades.

When: Wednesdays, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Where: The gym is located at 2100 Browning St. Berkeley

For more details, please contact Brandon Young brandon@borp.org

Please note - Proof of full vaccination is required and will be checked for new participants.
Apr 11(6 events)

9:00 am: AARP Tax-Aide Program (in-person)

–
Apr 11

LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 5 – April 11, 2024 and Wednesdays February 21 and 28 & March 13 and 27. 

Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing the AARP Tax-Aide at LightHouse RSVP form.

This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we will only be completing 2023 tax returns in February). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.

Please bring with you:

  • Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
  • A copy of your social security card
  • A copy of your photo ID
  • If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you via USPS.

Out of Scope:

If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.

  • If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
  • If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
  • If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
  • If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
  • If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
  • If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
  • If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return.  You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
  • If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.

There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.

If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648 or email info@lighthouse-sf.org

9:30 am: Little Learners Playgroup (online)

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Apr 11

Bring your giggles and wiggles to Little Learners weekly Zoom Playgroup, Thursdays from 9:30am - 10:15am. Enjoy fun activities with your little one, ages 0-6, while learning strategies to support your child's visual, sensory, motor and concept development. Connect with other families who understand and share your experience raising a child who is blind, has low vision, or Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). Weekly activities are designed to be accessible for all, and to build upon monthly themes that you can integrate into your family routines. All are welcome!

For more information or to register, please email Jacqueline Barden at littlelearners@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-694-7657. Meet you in the Zoom Room!

11:00 am: April is National Card & Letter Writing Month 2024 (in-person)

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Apr 11

Do you wish you could send and receive more fun mail in our mailboxes? Did you enjoy writing cards and letters and don’t do it anymore because of your changes in vision or reliance on technology? Do you miss connecting with others through the good ol’ fashioned U.S. Postal Mail? Would you like to brighten someone’s day by sending a heartfelt message to a friend or a loved one?

Come celebrate! April is National Card & Letter Writing Month 2024 is happening at the LightHouse San Francisco offices. Join us for the fun and functional art and living skills groups on Thursday, April 11 and 18, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Pick up some new tips and techniques for letter writing by learning the benefits of using thick line pens, large print writing, thick line paper, writing guides, and Braille, and hone your art and mail art making skills! Enjoy meeting fellow letter writing and mail art lovers, chat about the histories of postal mail and the letter writing event, and the many ways to send postal mail.

RSVP online for April is National Card & Letter Writing Month 2024, or contact Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.

11:30 am: Speak Imagery: Faces In The Crowd (online)

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Apr 11

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF) present Tour Theme: Faces In The Crowd.

This virtual tour is led by docents Margaret Grohne & Lani Shepp.

Museums are filled with portraits of people whose names we know—monarchs, presidents, aristocrats, and members of high society. But other works depict people whose names and stories we will never know. On this tour we will look at works that feature people in everyday situations. We’ll ask what the paintings tell us about their lives and times, and what they share in common with us.

The Yellow Lampshade by Elmer Bischoff, 1969

Register in advance at zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0ud-6grjgtGNTUgTWYu2GYI6JuwVLRTC5Z. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. You can log on as early as 11:00 am, but you won’t be admitted until 11:30 am.

A large colorful canvas featuring a man and a woman in a high rise apartment

1:00 pm: The Blind Telephone Network (dial-in)

–
Apr 11

Announcing the Blind Telephone Network 2024 program

The Blind Telephone network, originally founded by blind veterans, now is pleased to welcome all blind and low vision folks to join in phone calls will be held on Tuesday and Thursday of each week.

Tuesdays programs are what we call chit chat and chew the fat. During these sessions, most topics are acceptable; however, we refrain from discussing politics and religion. Prayer requests are acceptable, but will not be done during the call. This is a time for socializing, and sharing our experiences with blindness, in order to help others develop independence and self-confidence.

On Thursdays, we emphasize education, travel, technology, history, entertainment, and innovative role-models, etc.. These sessions will feature presenters on such topics as: Lewis and Clark expedition, Mt. Rushmore, railroad history and the mob museum in Las Vegas, Nevada.We encourage suggestions for topics or locations from our participants.

All sessions last for one (1) hour and start on time.

The call in number is: 605-475-5620, and the access code is: 3789127#. If you plan to save these numbers in your contacts, I recommend inserting two (2) commas between the main number and the access code.

Those wishing to receive an e-mail reminder for upcoming sessions or links provided by the presenter, should:

Send an e-mail to Doc Eudaly at deteacha@sbcglobal.net. Please put your full name, phone number, and email address in the body of your e-mail.

Calls for 2024 will begin on Tuesday, January 9.

For Thursday, January 11, our initial program will be on the FDR Memorial in Washington, DC.  We hope to hear you on these free telephone calls, where you can both learn and contribute

On behalf of the founding members,

Douglas “Doc” Eudaly, PH,D

1-559-999-2625

 

5:00 pm: Access After Hours at the Museum of Craft & Design (in-person)

–
Apr 11

Join us at the Museum of Craft and Design at 2569 3rd St. in San Francisco for an extra fabulous after hours museum visit for haptic and descriptive tours of art works from the current exhibitions, Mr. Roboto and Indiefolk, experiment with crafts using materials inspired by work in on view, have a drink and enjoy good company after your long day of work or play. The event is free with RSVP, and you are most welcome to bring a friend.

RSVP to Maia Scott at Mscott@lightouse-sf.org or 415-290-6242.
Apr 12(1 event)

10:00 am: Seeing AI Training for Seniors 65+ at Earle Baum Center (in-person)

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Apr 12

Attention to Sonoma County Residents who have low vision and are 65 or older.

Interested in learning more about using Al apps on your iPhone or Android?

The Earle Baum Center is offering a free phone stand and two hours of training on how to use the Seeing Al App on iPhone and Android.

Cathy Mulhern will be teaching you how to use the Seeing Al App to:

    • Read mail
    • Read a bill
    • Read a letter on your own without someone else knowing your business
    • Identify what you have in the pantry (is the can beans or dog food?
    • Identify what currency you are handing a cashierCathy Mulhern will be teaching you how to use the Seeing Al App to:

What you need: Bring your phone and materials you want to be able to read and that you currently rely on others to read for you such as mail, a can of food etc.

Where: Earle Baum Center  at 4539 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401

When: Fridays from 10:00 am to noon or 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in Room 3.

Prerequisites:

  • Have Seeing Al app downloaded on iPhone or Android.
  • Know how to use Siri and have it set up for iPhone users.
  • Have not received a phone stand from Earle Baum Center.

RSVP: To Cathy Mulhern at 707-206-8486 by calling Monday – Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Apr 13

The events for the upcoming week are read aloud on our event hotline every Friday, which can be accessed by calling 415-694-7325. For more information about visiting the Adaptations Store, head to our shop page.

The LightHouse is scent-free. Please abstain from wearing colognes, perfumes, or other scented products. Additionally, coffee must be securely lidded at all times and citrus should not be peeled on the premises. Thanks for supporting our efforts to respect chemical sensitivities!

SDS safety dataClick here for our cleaning product safety data sheets (SDS) and ingredient information.

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